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Idries Shah Remembered
Idries Shah Remembered is an intimate, multifaceted treasury of memoirs of one of the twentieth century’s most original and influential thinkers.
Drawing together personal insights, recollections, and reflections from students, colleagues, and from life-long friends,
this extraordinary collection reveals some of the many dimensions of Idries Shah’s life and work – his wit, his wisdom, his humanity, and his profound dedication to sharing an ancient knowledge.
A master storyteller, and a cultural bridge between East and West, Shah introduced an Occidental audience to the deep insights of the Sufi tradition, demonstrating how stories are far more than mere entertainment – but, rather, tools for learning, for growth, and for transformation.
Through his books, conversations, and learned counsel, Shah altered societal thinking, helping ordinary people to challenge ingrained assumptions, to expand understanding, and to see the world in new ways.
Contributors to this remarkable volume include Nobel Prize-winning author Doris Lessing, who regarded Shah as a pivotal influence; Dr. Alexander King, founder of the Club of Rome; Shah’s long-time secretary, Helena Edwards; as well as others whose lives were touched and shaped by his teaching.
Edited by his son, Tahir Shah, Idries Shah Remembered brings together voices from across the globe to celebrate a man whose legacy continues to grow, through the stories he told and the lives he inspired.
Unlike any previous work considering the legacy of Idries Shah, this collection offers rare glimpses into his formative experiences, tracing the influences that shaped his own path as a teacher and writer.
By illuminating the personal journey behind the public figure, the collection deepens our understanding of how Shah’s ideas developed, and why they remain as relevant today as ever.
Both personal and yet universal, this is not merely a book about Idries Shah – but an invitation to enter the world of his stories that live on, working magic through the hours of each day, at all points of the compass.
Drawing together personal insights, recollections, and reflections from students, colleagues, and from life-long friends,
this extraordinary collection reveals some of the many dimensions of Idries Shah’s life and work – his wit, his wisdom, his humanity, and his profound dedication to sharing an ancient knowledge.
A master storyteller, and a cultural bridge between East and West, Shah introduced an Occidental audience to the deep insights of the Sufi tradition, demonstrating how stories are far more than mere entertainment – but, rather, tools for learning, for growth, and for transformation.
Through his books, conversations, and learned counsel, Shah altered societal thinking, helping ordinary people to challenge ingrained assumptions, to expand understanding, and to see the world in new ways.
Contributors to this remarkable volume include Nobel Prize-winning author Doris Lessing, who regarded Shah as a pivotal influence; Dr. Alexander King, founder of the Club of Rome; Shah’s long-time secretary, Helena Edwards; as well as others whose lives were touched and shaped by his teaching.
Edited by his son, Tahir Shah, Idries Shah Remembered brings together voices from across the globe to celebrate a man whose legacy continues to grow, through the stories he told and the lives he inspired.
Unlike any previous work considering the legacy of Idries Shah, this collection offers rare glimpses into his formative experiences, tracing the influences that shaped his own path as a teacher and writer.
By illuminating the personal journey behind the public figure, the collection deepens our understanding of how Shah’s ideas developed, and why they remain as relevant today as ever.
Both personal and yet universal, this is not merely a book about Idries Shah – but an invitation to enter the world of his stories that live on, working magic through the hours of each day, at all points of the compass.
527 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2025
Readers of Idries Shah’s works will find plenty of food for thought in this anthology put together by Shah’s son, Tahir. Quite fittingly considering the nature of Shah’s output, the book is a compendium of stories by people – some well-known, some not – of their experiences and perspectives of Shah and how it changed them. The majority of stories have never been published before and what they reveal is a man who worked constantly to bring Sufi ideas to the West in a form that could be absorbed and, given the right attitude, were capable of gradually transforming and refining the reader. In a book this big and with this much variety of material, it’s tempting to start talking about the stories that strike you most strongly. I’ll resist that temptation and let the reader find their own, but here’s one that I can’t resist because it’s so unexpected: when asked to summarize the human condition, Shah replied “The Treasure of the Sierre Madre.” His explanation of why is perfect, as is the way this three-page gem concludes. It’s a beautiful story and a beautiful book.
August 3, 2025
Tahir Shah has in this book, compiled some of the voices from the thousands of letters written to his father, Idries Shah. These include letters from all over the world—from elders and youth, women and men, spanning all social classes and faiths. In addition are personal memoirs of meetings with him, newspaper articles, and obituaries. Through these texts you follow the life of Idries Shah from when he was a young boy to his death 1996..
The people who wrote to him had read his books and been influenced by them for the rest of their lives. Books that act as a kind of eye‑opener to a reality filled with other dimensions and possibilities—and also as practical tools.
Through his writings, Idries Shah re‑introduced to our Western society the ancient, perennial wisdom that has accompanied humankind since time immemorial but which our materialistic worldview has been disregarding, to say the least.
It’s been 20 years—two decades—since his death in 1996. Now his children plan to publish previously unpublished material. Why wait so long after his passing?
Idries Shah believed that our society was not yet mature enough for all that he had to offer and therefore he entrusted his children to bring the material to light when the time was right.
Idries Shah viewed his books as tools for conscious evolution. He was a man with extraordinary capacities who looked upon us from a high, overarching perspective—and who, above all, did not want people around him to be paralyzed by admiration or awe, or to treat him like a guru. Why? Because that would diminish the ability to receive what he was trying to communicate. You were meant not to be dazzled by his personality, but instead to soberly learn from the content of his books.
I read Idries Shah Remembered with heartfelt recognition. I have lived my life with his books for more than 40 years, reading them over and over again. They completely changed the bleak worldview I had once in a time and I´m so greateful for that. Now I hope above all that a younger generation will discover them too, despite all the noise surrounding us today and be able to rediscover our ancient roots and learn. Because, as Idries Shah argued: without an understanding of human nature, the collecting of data can be misleading. Ones thoughts go to AI
A leitmotif throughout Idries Shah’s life’s work is his emphasis on the importance of stories for our development. These stories, too, are perennial in human history, yet today they are endangered, he believed. To protect and revive this precious heritage, Tahir Shah has recently founded The World Story Bank, https://www.sf.charity.
The people who wrote to him had read his books and been influenced by them for the rest of their lives. Books that act as a kind of eye‑opener to a reality filled with other dimensions and possibilities—and also as practical tools.
Through his writings, Idries Shah re‑introduced to our Western society the ancient, perennial wisdom that has accompanied humankind since time immemorial but which our materialistic worldview has been disregarding, to say the least.
It’s been 20 years—two decades—since his death in 1996. Now his children plan to publish previously unpublished material. Why wait so long after his passing?
Idries Shah believed that our society was not yet mature enough for all that he had to offer and therefore he entrusted his children to bring the material to light when the time was right.
Idries Shah viewed his books as tools for conscious evolution. He was a man with extraordinary capacities who looked upon us from a high, overarching perspective—and who, above all, did not want people around him to be paralyzed by admiration or awe, or to treat him like a guru. Why? Because that would diminish the ability to receive what he was trying to communicate. You were meant not to be dazzled by his personality, but instead to soberly learn from the content of his books.
I read Idries Shah Remembered with heartfelt recognition. I have lived my life with his books for more than 40 years, reading them over and over again. They completely changed the bleak worldview I had once in a time and I´m so greateful for that. Now I hope above all that a younger generation will discover them too, despite all the noise surrounding us today and be able to rediscover our ancient roots and learn. Because, as Idries Shah argued: without an understanding of human nature, the collecting of data can be misleading. Ones thoughts go to AI
A leitmotif throughout Idries Shah’s life’s work is his emphasis on the importance of stories for our development. These stories, too, are perennial in human history, yet today they are endangered, he believed. To protect and revive this precious heritage, Tahir Shah has recently founded The World Story Bank, https://www.sf.charity.
January 10, 2026
'I asked Shah whether he thought that with time people in the West would develop a deeper understanding of his work - and the work of the Sufi masters.
Shah sipped his tea, then shrugged.
'It may take generations he said 'And for that reason I have amassed a vast amount of material, prepared for the Occident with meticulous care, but have left it with instructions;'
'Instructions?'
'Instructions for it to be published decades after my death when ever that might be. I realize that my children may wish to release all the unpublished manuscripts sooner rather than later, but I urge them to hold on until society is ready.'
'How will they when know the right time has come?'
Shah's eyes widened
'They'll know he said because I left them with a set of markers by which they can judge the cultural climate.'
Idries Shah Remembered Leon Flamholc Page 98. Idries Shah Remembered.
Shah sipped his tea, then shrugged.
'It may take generations he said 'And for that reason I have amassed a vast amount of material, prepared for the Occident with meticulous care, but have left it with instructions;'
'Instructions?'
'Instructions for it to be published decades after my death when ever that might be. I realize that my children may wish to release all the unpublished manuscripts sooner rather than later, but I urge them to hold on until society is ready.'
'How will they when know the right time has come?'
Shah's eyes widened
'They'll know he said because I left them with a set of markers by which they can judge the cultural climate.'
Idries Shah Remembered Leon Flamholc Page 98. Idries Shah Remembered.
August 8, 2025
This is a gold mine of previously unknown information. Nothing sensational, no secret lore for greedy seekers of abstruse mysteries, but straightforward and useful hints of how a great Sufi master behaved in order to teach and help mankind in their own lives and in understanding the purpose of human existence.
It is from people who actually knew Shah, and who greatly benefited from associating with him.
It can be very useful for earnest seekers of Truth, but may disappoint sensationalists -- and it is intentionally done in this manner. Still, it can help you more than a LITERAL transformation of base metal into gold.
It is from people who actually knew Shah, and who greatly benefited from associating with him.
It can be very useful for earnest seekers of Truth, but may disappoint sensationalists -- and it is intentionally done in this manner. Still, it can help you more than a LITERAL transformation of base metal into gold.
August 2, 2025
Seeing with the Right Eyes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like the Sufi mystical tradition that Idries Shah represents, champions, and exemplifies, Shah himself is so multi-faceted that he cannot simply be categorised or pigeon-holed, and perhaps dismissed. There's a tale in the book, containing an idea that crops up again and again, and which applies here: that of the elephant in the dark, an ancient tale that the Sufi Rumi reinterpreted. In this teaching tale, either several blind men are led into the presence of an elephant or sighted people are led to an elephant in the dark, a creature that they know nothing about. One feels its tusk and declares that it is a spear; another touches its ear and declares it a fan; a third is adamant that the tail is a rope; another that its belly is a barrel; and yet another that its sturdy legs are pillars. None of these men “see the whole picture” or the reality. This task of recognition is perhaps made all the more difficult because the externals of the Sufi teachings have throughout history been adapted to suit the current time, place, people, and circumstances, and the tradition's proponents have correspondingly adapted their methods in the face of necessity. Additionally, in Shah's own case, he went to some lengths to strip away cultural accretions around the precious gem or kernel that is Sufism, to the consternation of numerous Orientalists and religionists.
What this book does, then, is instead allow the reader and perhaps would-be student to gradually build up a picture of the man, dot by dot by dot, or facet by facet, through the ample use of first-hand accounts of a diverse collection of people approaching or interacting with him, and offering demonstrations of his intelligence, wit and wisdom – Sufi thought and action, as it's described elsewhere – which we can relate to and thus experience vicariously, and make our first tentative steps toward the Sufi Way. There is also ample use of teaching stories and humour, essential elements that are often overlooked or even dismissed, especially in partial and lopsided academic study of the tradition.
It's clear that Shah's work attracted many great thinkers, scientists, scholars and celebrities, as well as regular people from all walks of life, and his growing fame played an important, perhaps crucial, role in extending the reach of his projection of the Sufi Way in the West. With all the sugary praise being heaped on Shah, some readers may feel that Idries Shah Remembered is too much of a festschrift (a collection of writings published in honour of a scholar) or even hagiographical. I would suggest, however, that such praise and genuine appreciation is more than warranted, in general if not always in particular, and that beyond this surface layer of human interaction, we can learn a great deal about Shah's way of working, at a deeper level; his practical application of Sufi principles; and not least his humility, warmth and humanity. And it is clear from what has been written that Shah himself would rather have done without the celebrity, and wished instead that people had concentrated on what he had to share, the real, nourishing content rather than the flashy container, however beautiful and well-crafted the latter may be. Like Rumi he was fond of quoting, “Do not look at my outward shape, but take what is in my hand”, and he clearly felt this was important enough to have written on his tombstone as a lasting reminder.
On this subject, it's worth reading the passage titled “Seeing with the Right Eyes” and the embedded teaching story, on pages 360–362; and as Shah advised, to “Remember that wisdom is not a destination, but a way of travelling”, as explained more fully in “Nourish the Essential” on pages 395–398. Regarding accustoming people to a “higher pattern” as the Sufi materials do, it's also worth looking at what Shah has to say about “waiting for the penny to drop”, in his book Caravan of Dreams.
Many thanks for sharing this compilation, and for furthering the Work for the Work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like the Sufi mystical tradition that Idries Shah represents, champions, and exemplifies, Shah himself is so multi-faceted that he cannot simply be categorised or pigeon-holed, and perhaps dismissed. There's a tale in the book, containing an idea that crops up again and again, and which applies here: that of the elephant in the dark, an ancient tale that the Sufi Rumi reinterpreted. In this teaching tale, either several blind men are led into the presence of an elephant or sighted people are led to an elephant in the dark, a creature that they know nothing about. One feels its tusk and declares that it is a spear; another touches its ear and declares it a fan; a third is adamant that the tail is a rope; another that its belly is a barrel; and yet another that its sturdy legs are pillars. None of these men “see the whole picture” or the reality. This task of recognition is perhaps made all the more difficult because the externals of the Sufi teachings have throughout history been adapted to suit the current time, place, people, and circumstances, and the tradition's proponents have correspondingly adapted their methods in the face of necessity. Additionally, in Shah's own case, he went to some lengths to strip away cultural accretions around the precious gem or kernel that is Sufism, to the consternation of numerous Orientalists and religionists.
What this book does, then, is instead allow the reader and perhaps would-be student to gradually build up a picture of the man, dot by dot by dot, or facet by facet, through the ample use of first-hand accounts of a diverse collection of people approaching or interacting with him, and offering demonstrations of his intelligence, wit and wisdom – Sufi thought and action, as it's described elsewhere – which we can relate to and thus experience vicariously, and make our first tentative steps toward the Sufi Way. There is also ample use of teaching stories and humour, essential elements that are often overlooked or even dismissed, especially in partial and lopsided academic study of the tradition.
It's clear that Shah's work attracted many great thinkers, scientists, scholars and celebrities, as well as regular people from all walks of life, and his growing fame played an important, perhaps crucial, role in extending the reach of his projection of the Sufi Way in the West. With all the sugary praise being heaped on Shah, some readers may feel that Idries Shah Remembered is too much of a festschrift (a collection of writings published in honour of a scholar) or even hagiographical. I would suggest, however, that such praise and genuine appreciation is more than warranted, in general if not always in particular, and that beyond this surface layer of human interaction, we can learn a great deal about Shah's way of working, at a deeper level; his practical application of Sufi principles; and not least his humility, warmth and humanity. And it is clear from what has been written that Shah himself would rather have done without the celebrity, and wished instead that people had concentrated on what he had to share, the real, nourishing content rather than the flashy container, however beautiful and well-crafted the latter may be. Like Rumi he was fond of quoting, “Do not look at my outward shape, but take what is in my hand”, and he clearly felt this was important enough to have written on his tombstone as a lasting reminder.
On this subject, it's worth reading the passage titled “Seeing with the Right Eyes” and the embedded teaching story, on pages 360–362; and as Shah advised, to “Remember that wisdom is not a destination, but a way of travelling”, as explained more fully in “Nourish the Essential” on pages 395–398. Regarding accustoming people to a “higher pattern” as the Sufi materials do, it's also worth looking at what Shah has to say about “waiting for the penny to drop”, in his book Caravan of Dreams.
Many thanks for sharing this compilation, and for furthering the Work for the Work.
August 5, 2025
The Shah Family deserve our appreciation for republishing their father’s work: it is a great resource. However, saturated as it is in twentieth century English attitudes, not always enlightened, this book is something else.
Very obvious is the English and American deference for titles, lineage, academic qualifications and membership of prestigious institutions. Shah’s exotic aristocratic titles are emphasised several times. It is not just worldly status that impresses. In a single sentence one contributor states that all Sufis are equal, but that Shah was Grand Sheikh of the Sufis. Edwin Keister Jr states that the Shah family were direct descendants of the eldest son of Muhammed. One difficulty with this claim is that The Prophet’s eldest son died in 601 CE, after his third birthday.
Superiority is another contaminant. Lewis F. Courtland tells us, ‘As he went on with his story, I could see the look of incredulity on his face while he checked, mentally, the imaginary tough escorts with the Irish biddy…’ I read this with a look of incredulity on my face.
The fallout from the multifaceted ‘pandemic’ continues, enabled by the interconnectedness of today’s world and despite prevailing censorship, including censorship of prestigious medical and other scientific journals. I saw it suggested that, because of lack of integrity, AI would make a better job of peer review. A re-evaluation of medical practices is taking place. This includes vaccination, over- dependance on pharmaceutical products and doctors’ abdication of responsibility for nutrition. The theory that man-made global warming is causing extreme weather events is rapidly crumbling. Time will judge the prestigious institutions, like the Club of Rome and the British Association for the Advancement of Science, with which Shah was associated.
There were interesting pieces in this book. I particularly liked Helena Edwards’ contributions and the information about the London College of Storytellers. Doris Lessing’s contribution, ‘A Dam in the Mind’, reminded me of her official biography, begun by the late Patrick French. It’s called, ‘The Golden Woman’ and its release has been promised and deferred several time. The most recent date of publication is given as August 2026.
Very obvious is the English and American deference for titles, lineage, academic qualifications and membership of prestigious institutions. Shah’s exotic aristocratic titles are emphasised several times. It is not just worldly status that impresses. In a single sentence one contributor states that all Sufis are equal, but that Shah was Grand Sheikh of the Sufis. Edwin Keister Jr states that the Shah family were direct descendants of the eldest son of Muhammed. One difficulty with this claim is that The Prophet’s eldest son died in 601 CE, after his third birthday.
Superiority is another contaminant. Lewis F. Courtland tells us, ‘As he went on with his story, I could see the look of incredulity on his face while he checked, mentally, the imaginary tough escorts with the Irish biddy…’ I read this with a look of incredulity on my face.
The fallout from the multifaceted ‘pandemic’ continues, enabled by the interconnectedness of today’s world and despite prevailing censorship, including censorship of prestigious medical and other scientific journals. I saw it suggested that, because of lack of integrity, AI would make a better job of peer review. A re-evaluation of medical practices is taking place. This includes vaccination, over- dependance on pharmaceutical products and doctors’ abdication of responsibility for nutrition. The theory that man-made global warming is causing extreme weather events is rapidly crumbling. Time will judge the prestigious institutions, like the Club of Rome and the British Association for the Advancement of Science, with which Shah was associated.
There were interesting pieces in this book. I particularly liked Helena Edwards’ contributions and the information about the London College of Storytellers. Doris Lessing’s contribution, ‘A Dam in the Mind’, reminded me of her official biography, begun by the late Patrick French. It’s called, ‘The Golden Woman’ and its release has been promised and deferred several time. The most recent date of publication is given as August 2026.
August 21, 2025
If you want to gain insight into the life and legacy of the great thinker Idries Shah, this book is a must-read. His works are immensely complex and profound, and this multi-faceted collection by his son, Tahir Shah, offers a much more accessible perspective on the life and mind of a remarkable Sufi teacher. This book is a wonderful mosaic of insight, memory, and meaning. Highly recommended!
August 24, 2025
Reading this book helped me to learn about phenomenal person - Idries Shah who teaches without forcing and guid without leading : "Make mistakes, live life, lose things, and find them again. Then in five or ten years, come back. if you still need to study, you will know how" and "In every great work, leave one small flaw. Only the Divine is perfect". These phrases made me think of my own way to find wisdom.
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